Near to the Heart of God | Songs and Everlasting Joy

This hymn was written by Cleland Boyd McAfee. He often wrote hymns for the local church, where he was the pastor. His family were very grieved to lose two of his nieces to diphtheria in 1901. Though he still trusted in God, Cleland’s brother was heartbroken to lose his girls. Cleland decided to write a hymn for his brother, as he felt there was comfort for them near to the heart of God. He wrote the words and music, had the choir practice it, and then sing it outside the home of his brother, where the family were still in quarantine. The song was preserved by his family and is now in many hymnals.
At this strange time, when many of us have been in months of isolation, we can be comforted by the thought that we do not need to leave our homes to be near to the heart of God. He will stoop low to receive us, so that we may have that experience now. May each of us have quiet rest, comfort sweet and a full release in the heart of God this week.
Near to the Heart of God
Verse 1
There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God,
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.
Chorus
O Jesus, blest redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us, who wait before thee,
Near to the heart of God.
Verse 2
There is a place of comfort sweet,
Near to the heart of God,
A place where we our Saviour meet,
Near to the heart of God.
Verse 3
There is a place of full release,
Near to the heart of God.
A place where all is joy and peace,
Near to the heart of God.

[@charleslatman6123]

I woke up with this song on my mind. I Google the song. I got this video. I am glad I found you. 😊

[@SongsandEverlastingJoy]

Such a beautiful hymn and amazing content. To be near to the heart of God - what a privilege that we are allowed to have! God bless you!

[@yuikijr4418]

Same😢

[@bonnieketterman6542]

That song is one of my favorite hymns

[@SongsandEverlastingJoy]

It is such a precious promise - being near to God’s heart. May we all be there each day!

[@steward1742]

Thank you Lord for keeping us near your precious heart 🙏🏾❤️

[@SongsandEverlastingJoy]

Amen! We would be lost if He didn’t draw us to Him. Praise God He does!

[@peculiarglobal]

This song chnaged my life forever ❤😢🎉

[@SongsandEverlastingJoy]

The lyrics are such a blessing. And, the privilege is great - to be near to the heart of God. It's amazing to have such a privilege as mere humans!

[@edserrano1803]

A very comforting Song of Praise to our Great God & Redeemer, Yeshua Hamashiach (The Lord Jesus Christ). Praise, Adonai forever. Thank Q for this beautiful Song.

[@SongsandEverlastingJoy]

Amen! It is purely amazing that, as mere humans, we can be anywhere near the heart of the God of the universe. Praise Him forever!

[@cindymccormick3099]

One of my favorite hymns just beautiful!!!

[@SongsandEverlastingJoy]

Mine too! Have a blessed week with the Lord!

[@alexarquitt]

Thank you for including the Hymn background, it ads depth and meaning. Rev. 14:12 Here is the patience of the Saints… and like Job Clelands brother keep the faith, “ Tho he slay me yet will I trust in Him.” Like Gold tried in the fire the trials of life prove and test the genuineness of our faith. Burning 🔥the dross of worldlinesses 🌎 out of our lives.

[@SongsandEverlastingJoy]

Yes indeed - it is interesting to know the background of hymns. I have gotten slack with this in recent ones - so perhaps I should go through and add more information to the descriptions where I haven't done this! Isn't it amazing that mere mortals are allowed to come near to the heart of the God of the universe and welcomed there! God bless!

[@naomychepkemoi6389]

Amen

[@SongsandEverlastingJoy]

God bless you this week!

[@racheljeffcoat7446]

Beautiful!

[@SongsandEverlastingJoy]

Praise God you were blessed! May you have a wonderful week.

[@rosesingh5859]

Beautiful ...

[@SongsandEverlastingJoy]

May God bless you as you come near to Him!